Bacon & Spice Bitters

Bacon & Spice Flavor Profiles

Middleton's Bacon & Spice Bitters delivers a perfect balance of savory and smoky notes. The rich bacon flavor creates a meaty foundation, while subtle saltiness enhances cocktail depth. Smoky undertones evoke the essence of freshly cooked bacon, complemented by warming spices that add complexity. Each drop contains carefully extracted bacon essence, paired with premium spices for a well-rounded profile. The finish offers a gentle heat that lingers pleasantly without overwhelming other ingredients.

Signature Cocktail Recipes

Transform classic cocktails into memorable experiences with these signature recipes featuring our Bacon & Spice Bitters:

• Maple Bacon Old Fashioned
  • Preparation time: 3 minutes
  • Glassware: Rocks glass
  • Garnish: Orange peel and candied bacon
  • Batching: Multiply ingredients by guest count and store without ice
• Smoky Caesar
  • Preparation time: 2 minutes
  • Glassware: Highball glass
  • Garnish: Celery stalk, lime wedge, bacon strip
  • Batching: Prepare base mixture and add clamato per serving
• Bacon Manhattan
  • Preparation time: 4 minutes
  • Glassware: Coupe or martini glass
  • Garnish: Bourbon-soaked cherry
  • Batching: Scales perfectly for groups of 4-8 guests

Mocktail Applications

Bacon & Spice Bitters creates complex, satisfying non-alcoholic drinks with depth and character. Pair with premium tonic water for a smoky alternative to traditional G&Ts, or blend with spicy ginger beer for warmth and bite. Our bitters transform simple apple juice into a sophisticated autumn beverage. They complement non-alcoholic spirits like Seedlip Spice or Ritual Whiskey Alternative perfectly. For family-friendly options, add a single drop to homemade lemonade with maple syrup. Balance sweetness with small amounts of our bitters and fresh citrus to create well-rounded mocktails that satisfy discerning palates.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Elevate your culinary creations with these perfect food pairings for Bacon & Spice Bitters:

• Appetizers:
  • Deviled eggs with a dash of bitters
  • Cheese gougères with bacon bits
  • Roasted nuts tossed with bitters
• Desserts:
  • Vanilla ice cream with 3-4 drops creates a maple-bacon finish
  • Chocolate mousse with a savory twist
• Cheese Board:
  • Pairs exceptionally with aged cheddar and smoked gouda
  • Creates depth with creamy brie and honey

The bitters complement Alberta-inspired cuisine, particularly wild game dishes and maple-glazed proteins. Seasonal root vegetables roasted with a bitters marinade develop complex flavor. Try adding a few drops to barbecue sauce or gravy for unexpected richness.

Bacon & Spice Mixology Tips

Master the art of using Bacon & Spice Bitters with these professional techniques:

• Shaking vs. Stirring:
  • Stir with whiskey-based drinks to maintain clarity
  • Shake with citrus or egg white cocktails for proper integration
• Dilution: Add bitters before ice to allow flavors to bind with spirits
• Aging: Infuse bourbon with bitters for 3-5 days for a custom flavoring
• Layering: Float on top of egg white cocktails for aromatic appeal
• Garnishes: Pair with citrus peels, dried apple slices, or bacon strips
• Ice: Clear cubes minimize dilution for savory cocktails
• Essential Tools:
  • Dasher bottle for precise application
  • Bar spoon for proper integration
  • Atomizer for aromatic sprays

Seasonal Applications

Bacon & Spice Bitters adapts beautifully throughout the year. Winter holidays shine with hot toddies enhanced by bacon notes and warming spices. During autumn, pair with apple cider for harvest celebrations. Summer barbecues benefit from bitters-enhanced cocktails featuring bourbon and grilled fruit. Spring brunches come alive with bitters-infused Bloody Marys or Caesars. The bitters create festive specialties for Christmas, featuring cranberry and cinnamon, while Thanksgiving cocktails highlight pumpkin and maple. Wedding signature drinks gain sophistication with bacon-infused Old Fashioneds, offering guests a memorable flavor experience.

Bacon & Spice Perfect Pairings

Discover exceptional spirit combinations that showcase our Bacon & Spice Bitters:

• Whiskeys:
  • Alberta Premium Dark Horse for local flavor
  • Buffalo Trace Bourbon for caramel notes
  • Rittenhouse Rye for spicy backbone
• Complementary Bitters: Layer with our Orange or Cherry bitters
• Classic Cocktails:
  • Bloody Mary/Caesar
  • Old Fashioned
  • Manhattan
  • Whiskey Sour
• Local Spirits: Park Distillery Glacier Rye, Eau Claire Distillery Rupert's Whisky
• International Spirits: Mezcal creates an intensely smoky experience
• Wine Applications: Enhances red wine mulled with spices

Culinary Uses Beyond Drinks

Bacon & Spice Bitters transforms everyday cooking into gourmet experiences:

• Baking:
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon to chocolate cookie dough
  • Include 1/4 teaspoon in savory cheese scones
• Dressings: Create smoky vinaigrette with 1/4 teaspoon bitters, olive oil, and balsamic
• Marinades: Add 1 teaspoon to red meat marinades for depth
• Sauces:
  • Enhance BBQ sauce with 1/2 teaspoon
  • Add complexity to gravy with a few drops
• Preserves: Incorporate into bacon jam (1/2 teaspoon per cup)
• Desserts: Drizzle 3-4 drops over maple ice cream
• Pickling: Add to pickle brine for smoky complexity